International Political Science Abstracts
via WebSPIRS SilverPlatter

International Political Science Abstracts is a bibliographic database that indexes and abstracts articles from periodicals published throughout the world. The abstracts summarize source articles from 1989 to present. Articles in English are abstracted in English; those in other languages are abstracted in French, with all titles translated into English. The database is updated three times a year.

1. To Access the Database
In the Blume Library double click on the Netscape Navigator icon on the computer desk top. You will be connected to a page listing Electronic Databases at the Blume Library.   Click on International Political Science Abstracts.  On the next screen click in the box for Int'l Pol. Sci. Abs. then click Search.

This database is accessible through the Web throughout the St. Mary's University campus at:
<http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/indexes/inter.htm>.
To access this and other databases from your home or office off-campus, see the instructions located at: <http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/indexes/plugin.htm>.

2.  To Search
Type your keyword(s) into the white search box and click on Perform Search. It is usually best to start with one or two terms. If you are combining two or more terms, use and to connect the terms. If you are searching for a specific title check the box next to Title. If you are searching for articles by a specific author, click in the box next to Author.

International Political Science Abstracts has an index that allows you to browse for terms contained in records. The Index button is located at either the top or bottom of the Search page. You can simply click on an index word or phrase to search it.

3. To Display Results
After you have performed a search, the number of records matching your search terms will appear. Click on Display Records. The first ten records will be displayed, click on Next 10 to continue displaying records. Click on Previous 10 to move back.

4. Mark records you want to print, download, or E-mail by checking the box next to the record number.

4a. To Download
After marking the records you want, scroll to either the top or bottom of a page and click on the Save button. On the next screen make sure the Marked Records circle is marked. Click on the Save Records button. A box will appear. Select the appropriate drive in the Save in box [3 1/2 Floppy (A:)]. Under File Name enter the name you would like to call the file with the extension .txt on the end. Click OK. You will be able to bring up this file in any word processor software to edit or print.

4b. To E-mail
Click on the E-mailbutton at either the top or bottom of a page. On the next screen make sure theMarked Records circle is checked. In the Mail Records To box type in the complete e-mail address where you would like the citations sent. Example: <reflib@stmarytx.edu>. Type a subject in the Mail Subject box if you wish. Click on the Mail button.

*Note: Some searches may be quite large, so be sure you have enough room in your e-mail box to send the information.

4c. To Print
Click on the Print button located at the top or bottom of a page. Click on Display for Print, then click on the Print button on your Web browser (e.g. Netscape or Internet Explorer) and the displayed records will be printed.

5. To Perform Another Search
Click on the Search button located at the top or bottom of the screen.

6. To Locate Articles
Check the Periodical Holdings List (located on the first and second floors of the Blume Library) or the online catalog.

For items not at St. Mary's, check the CORAL Union List of Periodicals located near the Reference Desk or online at
<http://coral.library.net>.

7. To Exit from International Political Science Abstracts
Click on the Logout button on the top or bottom of the screen.